NASW Joins March for Reproductive Rights
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is an official partner in the Women’s March to Mobilize and Defend our Reproductive Rights. NASW is calling on the nation’s more than 700,000 social workers to join the Women’s March. On October 2, 2021, NASW and our members are marching in-person nationwide and broadcasting the march virtually.
Social Work and Reproductive Justice
Social Workers continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring that reproductive rights are protected. NASW’s participation in the march is aligned with the social work profession’s fundamental ethical tenet of client self-determination. NASW’s social justice focus also includes recognition of the impact of reproductive health issues on women, trans men and non-binary people. Finally, we view reproductive justice from an intersectional perspective that centers the voices of those disproportionately impacted, especially low-income women of color.
Event Details and Participation
There are in-person and virtual events nationwide, including a march in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Noon EST. If you choose, you can join NASW staff and march in Washington, DC. The DC march will start at Freedom Plaza at 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Marchers can meet outside the Metro Center Metro stop on the southwest corner of 12th and F Streets, NW at 10:30am to walk together to Freedom Plaza.
If you would like to march in Washington, DC with other NASW members and staff, please email your interest to [email protected] with your name, email address and phone number. For those participating from other locations:
- Register for the March in DC or at other sites nationwide.
- RSVP to Watch the Virtual March on Facebook as NASW is also Livestreaming the March.
- Use this printable Reproductive Rights Poster that can also serve as a placard.
Health and Safety Guidelines
Marches will follow public health guidance and virtual events may be offered in lieu of in-person events as appropriate. We strongly advise that you be vaccinated and wear a mask. The following table summarizes the District of Columbia rules and recommendations for COVID-19 precautions:
| Setting | Requirements and Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Indoor Settings | All persons, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask while in all indoor public settings, including in public transportation (train, bus, taxi, ride share vehicle). |
| Outdoor Settings (Fully Vaccinated) | Fully vaccinated people are not required to wear a mask or social distance while participating in outdoor activities, but may wish to wear a mask in crowded outdoor settings. |
| Outdoor Settings (Unvaccinated) | Unvaccinated (or partially vaccinated) people and those who are immunocompromised should continue to follow everyday prevention measures like social distancing and avoiding crowds. |
Reproductive rights are under attack and our visibility matters! Our professional unity in this critical space of social justice will make a difference in protecting reproductive rights. Don’t forget to use the following hashtags: #RallyForAbortionJustice #WomensMarch #NASWforReproductiveRights #SWSupportsWomensRights.